Food Drive is Huge Success
AARP Chapter 5239’s September 24th Food Drive produced 1,395 pounds of food supplies for Wilder-ness Food Pantry, along with $680 in cash and checks. The 1,395 pounds of food is double the amount collected in last year’s food drive and well above this year’s goal of 1,000 pounds. Cash donations were about equal to last year’s total.
Our sincerest THANKS go out to all Chapter members and others who donated food and money to our food drive. And also THANK YOU to the member volunteers who gave their time and effort to help collect the donations and then store them at the Food Pantry. This includes Drive Co-Chairs Kathi Martin and Pat Berry, Pam Nalls, Judy and Jerry Schrage, Katherine Causby, Ruth Pavlik, and Alan Berry.
Full details on this eminently successful Food Drive are reported elsewhere in this issue.
Let me give two personal observations. First, one woman called nearing our closing time to say she was stuck in long lines at Bloom but to please wait until she could get back. We did—and she donated 10 bags jam-packed with food for the Food Pantry!
Second, a young woman with three small kids came with one bag of food. She told us, “I’m sorry I can only give you one bag. I know how important this Food Drive is. My husband lost his job some months ago, and we lived on supplies from the Food Pantry and the LOW Church.
“He’s managed to get another job now, so that takes our family off the Pantry list, but there are many other families like us who still must rely on food donations. We wish we could do more to help.”
Like the “Widow’s Mite”, even one bag can make a big difference.
Dick Martin, President
AARP Members Seek
by Carolyn Wray, Publicity, AARP Chapter 5239
The October 17 AARP, Chapter 5239 meeting at the LOW Clubhouse will feature LOW resident Marty Caldwell speaking on genealogy research. Her interest in this subject began in high school when she started working on her own genealogy. She has been gathering information along the way, and since she bought the computer program in 1999, has been at it full time. She travels a lot to do her research. This will be a “how to” presentation with a lot of hints on where to find the items you will need. It will also touch on the latest in DNA testing for genealogy purposes. This should be a most interesting program for all of us. The meeting will begin at 9:30 AM with sweets and coffee followed by the program at 10 AM.
AARP Chapter 5239’s September 24th Food Drive produced 1,395 pounds of food supplies for Wilder-ness Food Pantry, along with $680 in cash and checks. The 1,395 pounds of food is double the amount collected in last year’s food drive and well above this year’s goal of 1,000 pounds. Cash donations were about equal to last year’s total.
Our sincerest THANKS go out to all Chapter members and others who donated food and money to our food drive. And also THANK YOU to the member volunteers who gave their time and effort to help collect the donations and then store them at the Food Pantry. This includes Drive Co-Chairs Kathi Martin and Pat Berry, Pam Nalls, Judy and Jerry Schrage, Katherine Causby, Ruth Pavlik, and Alan Berry.
Full details on this eminently successful Food Drive are reported elsewhere in this issue.
Let me give two personal observations. First, one woman called nearing our closing time to say she was stuck in long lines at Bloom but to please wait until she could get back. We did—and she donated 10 bags jam-packed with food for the Food Pantry!
Second, a young woman with three small kids came with one bag of food. She told us, “I’m sorry I can only give you one bag. I know how important this Food Drive is. My husband lost his job some months ago, and we lived on supplies from the Food Pantry and the LOW Church.
“He’s managed to get another job now, so that takes our family off the Pantry list, but there are many other families like us who still must rely on food donations. We wish we could do more to help.”
Like the “Widow’s Mite”, even one bag can make a big difference.
Dick Martin, President
AARP Members Seek
by Carolyn Wray, Publicity, AARP Chapter 5239
The October 17 AARP, Chapter 5239 meeting at the LOW Clubhouse will feature LOW resident Marty Caldwell speaking on genealogy research. Her interest in this subject began in high school when she started working on her own genealogy. She has been gathering information along the way, and since she bought the computer program in 1999, has been at it full time. She travels a lot to do her research. This will be a “how to” presentation with a lot of hints on where to find the items you will need. It will also touch on the latest in DNA testing for genealogy purposes. This should be a most interesting program for all of us. The meeting will begin at 9:30 AM with sweets and coffee followed by the program at 10 AM.
OCTOBER BIRTHDAY'S (Libra and Scorpio)
Charlotte Baker, Boyd Bowers, Joyce Bowers, Janet Buccola, Judy Carter, Tina Critzer, Irene Daehnke, Sherman Embrey, James Fargo, Richard Fisher, Bobbie Gordon, Chris Grimley, Lee Anne Hamilton, Grace McEuen, Nell Meador, Agatha Mucciacciaro, Eleonore Palowitch, Thomas Plummer, Bobbie Prees, Ruth Price, James Taylor, Brian Wares, Jane Wilde, and Marti Williams
SUNSHINE REPORT
by Carolyn Durphy
A Thinking-of-you card was sent to June Romedy.
Get well cards were sent to Ruth Hood, Nancy Miller, and Bonnie Rowan.
If you know of a member who needs cheering up, contact Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306.
Charlotte Baker, Boyd Bowers, Joyce Bowers, Janet Buccola, Judy Carter, Tina Critzer, Irene Daehnke, Sherman Embrey, James Fargo, Richard Fisher, Bobbie Gordon, Chris Grimley, Lee Anne Hamilton, Grace McEuen, Nell Meador, Agatha Mucciacciaro, Eleonore Palowitch, Thomas Plummer, Bobbie Prees, Ruth Price, James Taylor, Brian Wares, Jane Wilde, and Marti Williams
SUNSHINE REPORT
by Carolyn Durphy
A Thinking-of-you card was sent to June Romedy.
Get well cards were sent to Ruth Hood, Nancy Miller, and Bonnie Rowan.
If you know of a member who needs cheering up, contact Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306.
NOTES, BITS AND PIECES
New Members
Welcome new or rejoined members Tom and Betty Collins, John and Jean Stutz, and Boggs and Susan Wright.
New Members
Welcome new or rejoined members Tom and Betty Collins, John and Jean Stutz, and Boggs and Susan Wright.
Nominating Committee
The chapter nominating committee is still seeking potential candidates to run for chapter office. Candidates are needed for vice president, secretary, treasurer, and one director. If you are interested, or know of someone who is interested in running, please contact Pierre Payette at 972-0519, Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306, or Pam Nalls at 972-5253. Remember, an organization, such as our AARP Chapter, cannot continue to function unless it has members willing to step up and be leaders. We need your support and commitment.
Election Day Barbeque Nears
by Dwight Mottet, Chair, Chicken BBQ
There are only a very few days remaining to purchase your ticket for AARP’s annual Election Day barbeque on November 8, which supports Chapter 5239’s various local charities and community service projects. The BBQ will be served from 11 AM to 6 PM in the lower level of the Clubhouse. Dinners are also available as carry-out meals. In addition to raising funds, the Election Day barbeque provides an added incentive for folks to get out and vote.
Again this year, the ticket price will be $9/meal, which includes the usual 1/2 chicken enrobed in “secret sauce,” coleslaw, baked beans, and a homemade brownie. Lemonade and water will be available for diners in the lower level Clubhouse. It takes more than 120 hardworking AARP members to make this project successful. Add your name to the sign-up lists on the table at the October meeting. Return money for ticket sales to Jim Moore at 972-9355, Bill Lanier at 972-3219, or Carla Wascalus at 972- 3436.
YOU DID IT!
by Kathi Martin and Pat Berry
On September 24, our annual Food Collection to benefit the Wilderness Food Pantry was held, and we are so pleased to announce that AARP was able to donate 1395 pounds of canned goods and $680 in checks and cash to the pantry, thanks to the generosity of our Chapter and the LOW Community. Yup, we said 1395 pounds of canned goods!!! And $680 in checks and cash!!!
This was all extremely timely, since the area Food Banks, from which Wilderness Pantry purchases a lot of government issue, are EMPTY because they were furnishing disaster relief for Hurricane Irene (this was a "trickle-down" thing, with all Food Banks re-stocking other Food Banks, etc.). So Wilderness shelves were empty, and we're helping to fill them back up.
Our heartfelt thanks go to Volunteers Pam Nalls, Katherine Causby, Judy and Jerry Schrage, Ruth Pavlik, Alan Berry and Dick Martin.
by Kathi Martin and Pat Berry
On September 24, our annual Food Collection to benefit the Wilderness Food Pantry was held, and we are so pleased to announce that AARP was able to donate 1395 pounds of canned goods and $680 in checks and cash to the pantry, thanks to the generosity of our Chapter and the LOW Community. Yup, we said 1395 pounds of canned goods!!! And $680 in checks and cash!!!
This was all extremely timely, since the area Food Banks, from which Wilderness Pantry purchases a lot of government issue, are EMPTY because they were furnishing disaster relief for Hurricane Irene (this was a "trickle-down" thing, with all Food Banks re-stocking other Food Banks, etc.). So Wilderness shelves were empty, and we're helping to fill them back up.
Our heartfelt thanks go to Volunteers Pam Nalls, Katherine Causby, Judy and Jerry Schrage, Ruth Pavlik, Alan Berry and Dick Martin.
Woods Cares Urgently Needs Volunteer Drivers
Woods Cares is desperately in need of drivers to meet the needs of people who request AARP’s assistance in getting to doctor appointments, the grocery store, dialysis, physical therapy, etc. This is a service that we have offered to area residents for years. Without any public transportation in LOW, those who cannot drive need our assistance.
We are now down to about 6-10 drivers. If we have a sufficient number of drivers, the time commitment of any one driver will be minimal. Volunteers should contact Jeanette Embery at 972-0726 or Marion Jacobeen at 972-4085 to sign up.
Silent Auction
by Patti Batten
Doing your fall cleaning provides a good opportunity to get rid of those items that you are not using by donating them to our Silent Auction. Please make sure that the items are clean, and have no tears or chips.
Maybe you now have more Holiday decorations than you need such as: tablecloths, napkins, lights, novelties, plates, etc. These items sell very well,
You may bring your items to the meeting or call Patti at 972- 1370 to have your items picked up.
Thank you for your generous donations. At the September meeting we made $ 110, thanks to some after-meeting sales.
How Old Are You, Really?
by Sandy Frame, Medical News
How old are you, really? If you could calculate your “biological” age or “real age” (as opposed to the one on your driver’s license), would you be better or worse off? Some popular books and websites now promise that you can calculate your “real age” by filling in a questionnaire. After answering questions about chronic conditions, your sex life, marital status, social life, anxiety level, whether you have smoked, your blood pressure, family history and eating and exercise habits – then presto!!! You learn, perhaps, that while your birth date puts you at 65 your real age is 58. You feel great—unless the age goes in the other direction—then not so great. There is no evidence-based way to measure biological age except possibly by some genetic materials that are solely used as research tools.
Often these proponents try to sell you something like dietary supplements, or give your information to marketers who will call you to personally sell you products. Who needs that? None of this will make you younger, but it is harmless in comparison to anti-aging clinics that want to dose you with hormones or otherwise lead you to the “fountain of youth.”
Any claim that biological age can be either measured or modified is entertainment, not science. So test your biological age if you wish. Then do what you are probably doing now. Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight and do whatever you can to keep your mind sharp. And don’t smoke. Smoking is guaranteed to age you beyond your years.
Excerpts from the article, “Speaking of Wellness” by John Swartzberg, M.D., found in The University of California, Berkeley Wellness Letter, Volume 27, Issue 12, September 2011.
Tax Assessment
by Pat Berry, Legislative News
Did you see the county assessor walking around your property last summer? Did he knock and ask about your home or a neighboring property? This was taking place because the Code of Virginia § 58.1-3252 requires there shall be a general reassessment of real estate every four years. Now that the data has been collected you can expect to receive your reassessment notice sometime this fall complete with the new rate (if any) that will become effective on the first of January, 2012.
And the State of Virginia, County of Orange, is making it easier for you to find answers to questions you might have about the reassessment. Each locality follows slightly different procedures for determining real estate assessments, reviewing appeals, and determining eligibility for tax relief, so go directly to www.orangecountyva.gov for information specific to Orange County. Read the paragraph titled “Reassessment Reminder” and click on the link provided for further information.
This is a great site. There is also a news release about the new Walmart site at the intersection of Somerset Ridge and Route 3. Yes, Virginia, Walmart is finally coming to Orange County.
TRIAD Notes by Dick Bradie
Two events conducted by AARP volunteers a few years ago are coming back in the spring:
-CarFit—designed to fit the Senior to the car and the car to the Senior. This was a successful event about 4-5 years ago and educated our folks on what gadgets do what in the new and old vehicles, and suggested ways to stay safer while driving. Twenty to thirty volunteers will be required to take a day of training and a day of event activities. The training and activity are both planned for LOW. Volunteers will be solicited from AARP and TRIAD. This program is sponsored by AARP and Aging Together.
- Free VIN Etching on all the windows of a vehicle—a deterrent to car thieves. This will be a joint operation with TRIAD, AARP, OC Sheriff's Department and the State Police.
- Also, watch for news of an upcoming shredder event.
Highlights of the September Meeting
by Pam Nalls, Secretary
-Bill & Rosemary Walker (founders of our AARP Chapter in May 1998) were honored for their dedicated service over the years. Addition-ally, Woods Cares Co-Chair, Janet Terry, was thanked for her many contributions. The Walkers will be leaving LOW and Janet is stepping down due to poor health.
-Election Day Chicken BBQ tickets have been mailed to all members. Proceeds from this event go to local charities. Members are urged to sell or purchase their tickets. Your help is needed to reach our goal of $2,500 for our local charities.
- Alice Grgas announced that volunteers are needed to provide refreshments for the November meeting. Sign-up sheets are available on the refreshment table at the monthly meetings.
- Patti Batten announced that the Silent Auction took in $62. Patti also advised that the Silent Auction Committee is looking for a new Chair person. If interested, please contact members of the Silent Auction Committee.
-Paul Tobin conducted the 50/50 drawing; Joan Albertella was the winner.
-The next meeting will be MON, October 17, 2011.
